Do Not Grow Weary in Doing Good: A Lesson from a Slow-Blooming Lilac

“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” (NASB)

Galatians 6:9–10

Dear Friends,

It never ceases to amaze me when God uses His creation to speak.

This is not some kind of new or mysterious word from Him, but a gentle reminder of what He has already told us in His Word.

It happened again today.

Discouragement had found an unguarded pathway into my mind, and I was struggling, wondering if my efforts toward certain hoped-for outcomes were making any difference at all. The strain of despondency felt exhausting. My spirit felt withered, and I was overwhelmed with weariness.

On the advice of a wise man – Dad – I decided to take a day and do nothing of importance. No striving. No producing. No deep thinking.

At first, the idea sounded difficult. But the more I considered it, the more inviting it became.

An Unexpected Reminder

Instead of jumping into the usual rat race, I chose to take a relaxing stroll.

As I stepped outside into the balmy air, I breathed deeply and took in the signs of approaching spring. Birds chirped cheerfully. Trees were beginning to bud.

Then out of the corner of my eye, I noticed something.

A bush we planted several years ago near our dinner bell post.

Over the years that bush had grown from a small plant into a tall leafy shrub. But it had been a constant disappointment.

When we planted it, I thought it was a lilac bush. Yet year after year it produced nothing but leaves. I often wondered if it was a completely different plant. More than once I considered ripping it out and starting over, but I never got around to it.

So there it remained outside my kitchen door – growing larger every year but never blooming.

Or so I thought.

The Lesson of the Slow-Blooming Lilac

As I walked past, I caught a glimpse of lavender hidden among the leaves.

I leaned closer.

Fragrant violet blooms peeked out at me as if to say,

“You shouldn’t have been discouraged. It just took us a little longer than most to flower.”

Immediately my mind flew to Galatians 6:9.

Sometimes we work hard, sowing seeds for eternity, yet we wonder why nothing seems to change.

We carry one another’s burdens in prayer but see no visible fruit.

We choose God’s way instead of the world’s way and still find the path difficult.

Like Christian in John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, we sometimes feel stuck in the Slough of Despond, afraid we will never get out.

Do Not Grow Weary in Doing Good

But then God’s Word speaks.

Today, He used a single blooming lilac in a large bush.

What a timely reminder that the ones who reap the harvest are the ones who do not grow weary in doing good. They keep going. They keep trusting. They continue doing what is right, even when the results are slow to appear.

I am so glad I did not rip that bush out in a moment of discouragement. Otherwise, I would never have enjoyed the beautiful flowers it finally produced, or heard creation’s gentle spiritual reminder.

Are you discouraged in doing good?

Are you weary from praying and waiting?

Take a lesson from the slow-blooming lilac.

God’s promise still stands:

“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.”
— Galatians 6:9

Keep sowing.
Keep trusting.
And do not grow weary in doing good.

Love,

Mama

Are you discouraged in doing good or waiting on God to answer prayer?
Take heart in the promise of Galatians 6:9 – the harvest comes to those who do not grow weary.

If this reminder encouraged you today, share it with someone who might need the same hope.